Our Paleolithic ancestors 'had stronger bones'

The researchers claimed that even though their lifespan was much shorter, the skeletons of pre-agricultural humans showed structural robustness and muscular strength that can be compared to today's elite athletes.

They estimate that this is the result of greater physical exertion - twice the daily energy expenditure of today's humans - and of a high intake of fruit and vegetables combined with low intake of cereals and dairy products.

The researchers said a diet rich in cereals and dairy products lowers our systemic pH, leading to urinary calcium loss and increased skeletal calcium depletion.